Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

WEEL-HAINED, ppl.adj. Also -haint. See Hain, v. 3.

1. Of persons: well-preserved, in good shape.Sc. 1722 W. Hamilton Wallace iii. i.:
But English-Men, who wanted not for Gear, Were well-hain'd Callans, and had ay good Chear.Ayr. 1830 Galt Lawrie Todd vi. x.:
Some buxom widow, or well-hained spinster.Ayr. 1879 J. White Jottings 153:
That peace lies in the golden mean, That weel-hained clay, for years a wheen, Aft baffles care.

2. Used sparingly, consumed with economy, saved to good purpose (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 208). Chiefly liter. after Burns.Ayr. 1785 Burns Cottar's Sat. Night xi.:
The Dame brings forth, in complimental mood, To grace the lad, her weel-hain'd kebbuck fell.Slk. 1818 Hogg B. of Bodsbeck xiii.:
Do Thou give to the puir stray thing a weel-hained heff and a beildy lair.Fif. 1841 C. Gray Lays 11:
[Time] eats without my Grannie's leif, Her weel-hain'd naipery!